Xain pushed off Bow’s requests to take the day to rest, reminding him that they only had two days before he had to leave. The real reason, though, was he wanted to see if Uruz would follow through.

  He could feel the rune’s power as it rested on his back, and knew it had changed.But after its little show, he wouldn't trust it had kept up its side of the deal until he verified it for himself. On top of that, despite his night, Xain felt good. Strong. As if all the aches from the last few days had melted away.

  Is this the power of Uruz?

  Instead of asking Bow, though, as they sat at the breakfast table, Xain decided to test his theory out. Before Bow could tell him not to, Xain snatched up the nearest knife and ran its blade lightly against his palm.

  “The fuck are you doing?!” Bow yelped, standing so quickly his chair fell over.

  To Xain’s surprise, the knife had left no mark, and his palm was completely unharmed.

  “Testing something,” Xain said, opening and closing his hand.

  “And?” Bow said, his tone more curious than angry.

  Instead of answering, Xain held out his palm for Bow to examine. After a moment he let out a small grunt of approval, and nodded his head.

  “So,” he said, focusing on Xain, his brows knitting together. “This is the result of your meeting, I take it?”

  Xain had relayed the entire experience to Bow as he prepared their breakfast, which included two extra mugs of ale that Bow insisted he drink. Xain obliged, but after the third mug began to wonder if there really was something to the advice. He didn't feel drunk, or even tipsy. He just felt… good.

  “I think so,” Xain said, as he tossed a piece of bacon to Fen, who easily caught it and swallowed before Xain could remind the wolf to chew.

  “Hale Frame,” Bow said. “Dont rely on it much. Without other runes in your array, it can't be trusted to prevent more than a minor injury. It should help with your recovery though. And in the case you are badly hurt, it will help speed your natural healing.”

  Xain nodded, and tossed another strip to Fen.

  “How many powers should I get?” he asked.

  “It’s not so simple,” Bow said, picking up his chair and taking his seat once more.

  “All the powers are just different forms of the rune's core strength. As you add more runes, the story grows, and adds new paths for the powers to take. Some runes have more base powers than others, while some open up more paths. An array is a complicated thing, and no matter how much those assholes in the capital boast they understand, the truth is, they know shit all.”

  “Once an array exceeds seven runes, there are so many potential permutations, it is impossible to map them all. They try, of course. Recording every fucking array, analyzing it to death, before stashing it in a tome and storing it in the stacks along side the others.”

  “But even with all that work, it’s barely a drop in the bucket. Not to mention how the rune holder is a variable which can never be accounted for.”

  “Doesn’t stop them from trying though. You know, most contracts come with a clause that determines the exact fucking array they will use. It's insane. They completely ignore the fact one rune may be a better fit than another, so long as they get what they want.”

  “Bow,” Xain cut in. He knew how his dad could get when it came to how the Houses treated rune users and arrays. It had never made sense to him before, but even though Xain had decided not to ask him if he was actually an Ancient, seeing as how he used one of the banned runes like it was nothing told him it was likely true. And if that was the case, Bow would be one of the few users who would be considered not just an expert, but a true master of the subject.

  While it was still hard to believe, it would aid in explaining a lot of Bow’s peculiarities, such as the way he would go on tangents that could last days about the efficacy of current arrays, or how it was akin to servitude how most Husks were treated by the 10 Houses.

  “Right,” Bow said, taking a deep breath and focusing on Xain once more.

  “For Uruz, the five main forms the power takes are: Conjure Ice, Cone of Ice, Auroch Strength, Ice Armor, and Hale Frame. How you use each of these is mostly up to your connection to the rune. While everyone who holds Uruz has access to them, their ability with each power is largely dependent on their own skill.”

  Xain had already seen that on full display during Bow’s demonstration on their first day of training. Though they had been using the same rune, Bow had been a force of nature, whereas Xain had barely been able to draw out a drop of power from the rune.

  But that was before.

  If his test with the knife was any indication, today was going to yield some interesting results.

  …

  “Good!” Bow boomed, ignoring the frost that covered his beard, his smile beaming.

  “You’re getting the hang of it.”

  Xain wasn't sure that was exactly true, but as he cast his gaze around and found the small clearing in which they trained was all covered in a thin layer of ice so wide that it had even reached the trunk of some of the trees, he was sure that Uruz was no longer denying him its power.

  “I… I was trying to do the beam,” Xain said, but couldn't hold back the smile as he watched a flurry of ice fly off of Fen as he shook.

  “One step at a time,” Bow said, clapping him on the back. “It's called Cone of Ice. This could be a cone. Just… a wide one. You’ll get it. Why don't we give something else a try?” he suggested.

  “The best thing for you right now is to focus on defense. If you get jumped by another user, chances are their array is going to be longer than yours, and they will have a good deal more practice. Even if you are able to hit them with the ice, unless you can follow it up with a punch strong enough they won't get back up, your best shot is to run.”

  “Or to survive long enough for Fen to take care of them,” he added, looking over at the wolf with a smile.

  “Fen?” Xain asked, confused.

  “Unless you meet a high rank Ash or above, Fen should be able to handle it. He is… you got yourself one special beast there.”

  What is Fen going to do? He is strong, sure, but… wait. If he held a rune, I would know, wouldn't I?

  “Are you saying…” Xain started, but stopped as he looked back at his wolf who, after ridding himself of the remaining ice, had curled up again and lay watching Xain closely.

  “Ive been watching his array grow since he was just a pup. When I found the two of you, I knew there was something about him. It was clear right away that he was a runic wolf, but back then his array was only two runes long.”

  “There is still little known about how the runic creatures grow their arrays. They are rare enough as it is, and finding one who will submit to being studied is just about impossible, but that hasn’t stopped others from trying.”

  “We do know that they use their arrays differently than us, and, it could even be argued, more effectively. You will better understand what I mean when you meet one who is not him,” Bow said, waving toward Fen.

  “For some reason, I have never seen him put his power on display, so right now I can only guess at what he is capable of. But I wouldn't want to fuck with him. I can tell you that much at least.”

  “Best to avoid a situation where you need him to step in though. But if it's not possible, make sure to finish the job. If he uses his array, it's certain to draw attention. And for you, any attention is too much. At least until you can handle yourself.”

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  “You mean kill them?” Xain asked.

  Xain knew this happened. Especially between runic users. One of the quickest ways to grow your array was to take a rune from another user. The process had a much higher chance of dissonance, but depending on the situation, the rewards often outweighed the risks.

  It was another thing that made walking the Path of Discovery so dangerous. As an Unrooted, there was no House or Realm behind you. And while this meant you were able to kill other runic users without recourse, the same was true of you.

  The reason for this was simple. According to the agreements all Realms made with Yid in order to acquire the services of their runic users, in a process known as taking root, it was stipulated that all who chose to walk the Path were considered outside any laws of the Realms.

  At least when it came to other runic users.

  When it came to the other inhabitants of a Realm, one who chose to walk the Path was still bound by the Realm’s laws, at least in theory. Exceptions were made, and it was widely known that anyone who chose to walk the Path of Discovery were held to different standards, but there were so few of them that it rarely came up.

  On top of that, the Path was difficult enough without aggravating the Realm one was currently residing in.

  But if a Realm’s runic user died by the hands of one who walked the Path, it was thought they were too weak to begin with.

  It was more complicated than that, especially when it came to Elders, but Xain was a long way from needing to worry about that yet.

  “Yes,” Bow said, nodding seriously.

  “I’m not advocating you seek out conflict, but I'm also not so naive to believe it won't find you. And when it does, you need to be prepared.”

  Xain had known that was a possibility, but hearing Bow state it so clearly suddenly made it much more real.

  “But like I said, better to run if you can. If you can't, well, I just want you to be prepared.”

  “Right,” Xain said, trying to ignore the pit in his stomach.

  “You are a smart kid, and I know you will do what is best when the time comes,” Bow said, clearly trying to lift Xain’s spirits.

  “The best way to avoid the situation entirely is to make sure you have a strong defense. It’s obvious you are not lacking in power now, but your ability to focus that power is going to take some work. Why don’t you try creating some armor?”

  “I…” Xain started, but he could not help glancing over at Fen, and wondered if the wolf shared any of his qualms of taking the life of another rune user.

  As if reading his mind, Fen’s lips curled back to show all his teeth, a gesture Xain immediately understood.

  If it's you or them, there is no choice at all.

  Right. Of course he would say that. Also, how in Hel’s Realm did Xain not know about Fen’s array?

  It felt like every time Xain was just starting to get a handle on things, something new would come along to remind him exactly how wrong he was.

  One step at a time.

  Xain shook his head, forcing himself to focus on the task at hand, and said, “Right. So, armor,”

  “It's a lot like Summon Ice,” Bow said, taking a step back, “but you direct it toward yourself. Without the effects of Hale Frame, it would hurt you more than help, but there is a synergy in runic powers. Now, you just,” but before Bow could finish, Xain focused on the rune, and directed its power to envelope his body.

  Thin plates of interlocking ice formed directly on Xain’s skin, and in less than a second he was entombed in the armor, and peered out through a translucent strip of ice over his eyes.

  It took him a moment to realize that he couldn't breathe, but at the thought small holes opened up around his nose and mouth.

  Xain looked down, surprised at how easily this had come, especially compared to the nova that had exploded from him when he was trying for a concentrated beam, but his mind was quickly distracted when he saw how his armor, despite encasing his entire body, disappeared underneath his shirt sleeve.

  “What?” Bow said, his smile so broad it broke his beard in two. “You thought it would form around your clothes?”

  …

  When Yid’s second sun had just fallen out of view, and the blue moon was just beginning its path across the night sky, Bow called it a day. Xain had wanted to protest, but when he opened his mouth to say he wasn't tired yet, the words died in his throat as a familiar exhaustion washed over him.

  “Yeah,” Bow had said, tossing his right arm under Xain’s left shoulder and practically lifting him up. “You may have better access to the rune now, but your body still isn't used to using it. Even Hale Frame draws a bit from your own stamina.”

  “Remember, you and the rune are one. While you draw from the rune's power, that bond goes both ways. With more use, the stronger you both will become, allowing you to eventually keep up basic powers without thinking. Until then, though, you need to be aware of your limits.”

  “But I would say that, whatever in Hel’s Realm happened in that dream, it made sure you are prepared for the trip.”

  Xain took the praise with a tired smile. He didn't know if Bow was just saying that since no matter if he was ready or not, they only had one more day together, or if he really meant it, but either way it felt good. And aside from his complete inability to focus the Cone of Ice, Xain had been quite adept using the other powers.

  Bow had shown his own ice armor, which compared to Xain’s looked as if it was meant for a Jotun riding into battle, but the functionality was much the same. Despite the appearance, Xain’s sleek plate was remarkably strong, while being much less noticeable than the giant spiked pillars that jutted from Bow’s shoulders, and ripped through his shirt in the process.

  Along with that, he had taught Xain how to pull back the armor to only cover the sections of his body which were not visible. When he had grown his stamina, Xain should be able to wear the armor under his clothes most of the time.

  Bow had tested his proficiency with the other powers as well, laughing so hard he nearly choked when Xain used his enhanced strength to punch a tree, sending his fist through the trunk and getting his arm completely stuck.

  Aside from the armor, Conjure Ice was where his skill had been the strongest. He had spent hours using it to pull the latent moisture from the air to form a variety of objects, as well as encasing things in a layer of ice by merely touching them with his hand.

  Of course, Bow used this opportunity to show him his own abilities by creating crows out of ice and sending them flying around the grove, before sending them into a frenzy that called up a small blizzard that covered the area in a foot of snow.

  It was easy to see the difference in their skills, but Xain was beginning to understand what he would be capable of with enough practice.

  Throughout the whole day of training, Fen watched from a safe distance, his ears perking up whenever Xain found even a bit of success, and showing his approval with a flurry of licks.

  Bow served dinner to Xain on the couch that night, as a new sort of wariness set in. But compared to the previous days, instead of frustration, Xain’s exhaustion was bolstered with a sense of accomplishment.

  “What is his array?” Xain asked, as Bow began clearing the various plates strewn around the couch.

  “Fen’s, I mean. And why didn't I know about it?”

  Bow didn't stop clearing, but slowed a bit as he thought about the question.

  “Runic beasts are different from us. The runes are not something for them to acquire, they are something more natural. But just like us, they tell a story. Fen’s array is no different. But the story is his, and it is not my place to narrate it.”

  “When he is ready, I'm sure that he will share it with you.”

  But you know it already…

  Xain couldn't help but wince at the twinge of jealousy he felt, and purposefully stared into the fire so as not to let it show.

  “Its not like that,” Bow growled, setting the plates on the floor and kneeling in front of Xain.

  “When you get to my age, few things are able to escape my notice. I have never seen the array, not directly. But I sense it. Or, my runes do. Its one of the things that makes it so fuckin hard to be around other arrays. I'm constantly aware when other runes are present. In a city like the capital, it's deafening.”

  “Is that why you…” but Xain trailed off, both not sure how to ask the question, or if he even wanted to know the answer. How do you ask someone if they were practically a god? He had promised himself he would not push Bow on this, leaving it up to his dad to tell him if chose to, but in truth he had no idea if tomorrow would be the last time he would ever see him.

  He trusted Bow, and wanted to believe his confidence that they would meet again was not misplaced, but since he had woken from his Husk state, there had not been a day they had not spent together.

  The knowledge that it was coming to an end was starting to weigh heavy on his mind.

  “I was wondering if you were going to bring that up. I knew you heard those old crones, but the truth is I was afraid to talk to you about it. And honestly, nothing I tell you now will make much sense. Not until you walk the Path for yourself.”

  “I will tell you about it. Some day. But for now, I think it's best we focus on getting you ready.”

  Xain let that sink in for a minute before nodding his head once.

  What does it matter? What would it change?

  Bow had been there for him. Had been his father for nearly 11 years, and took care of him for almost two more. And more than that, he knew how much Bow truly cared for him. No matter how they came to be together, nothing Bow could tell him would change that.

  “Good,” Bow said, standing and wrapping his arms around Xain.

  “I… I love you son. I hope you know that.”

  Xain fought through the protest his arms gave as he raised them, and wrapped them around Bow as he said “I know. I love you too.”

  Fen, not to be left out, pushed his muzzle into both their necks, and let out a growl of agreement.

  “And you too, you big bastard,” Bow said, smiling.